Which mineral is involved in blood clotting?

Calcium is a crucial mineral involved in the blood clotting process. It plays a central role in the coagulation cascade, which is a series of biochemical events that leads to the transformation of blood from a liquid to a gel state, ultimately forming clots. When a blood vessel is injured, calcium facilitates the activation of various clotting factors that are essential for forming a stable fibrin clot. Without adequate calcium levels, the body cannot effectively stop bleeding, highlighting its importance in hemostasis.

In contrast, phosphorus is largely associated with bone health and energy metabolism. Iron is primarily known for its role in oxygen transport within hemoglobin and is vital for preventing anemia. Selenium is an essential trace mineral that functions as an antioxidant and plays a role in thyroid hormone metabolism but is not directly involved in the clotting process. This understanding solidifies the critical role that calcium plays in blood clotting and overall cardiovascular health.